Chapter 122 Finding the Key
"When will you be sober enough? " Ava questioned, her voice laced with frustration. "You were well aware of our plans for today, yet you deliberately sabotaged them. Do you truly desire this divorce? If Isabella discovered your antics, she'd be livid."
Ava found herself at a loss to comprehend this man's actions. They were on the brink of divorce, yet he had single-handedly created a myriad of problems.
The situation was supposed to be an unexpected complication, but it didn't feel that way. If he had chosen to avoid Isabella and instead visited his grandmother for a quiet meal, the day would have unfolded without incident. There would have been no alcohol, no chaos, and their divorce proceedings could have moved forward without a hitch.
By this time, they could have been on their way to finalizing their separation.
Suddenly, Alexander's hand encircled her waist, pulling her into his embrace.
Caught off guard, Ava found herself nestled against his chest. She attempted to push herself away, but Alexander's grip was unyielding.
She struggled to extricate herself, noting his drowsy state. With a resigned sigh, she rose and draped a blanket over him.
'What now?' Ava pondered. 'In his current condition, there's no chance of retrieving the documents. And without them, the divorce can't proceed.'
Exiting the room, Ava found the grandmother standing in the doorway, a warm smile gracing her features. "Has Alex retired for the night?"
"Yes, he's passed out drunk."
"Let him rest. Perhaps you should join him?"
"No, Grandma, I'd rather spend some time with you."
Ava guided the elderly woman back to her room.
They engaged in light conversation until the grandmother's eyelids grew heavy and she settled onto the bed. Ava tucked her in, whispering, "Rest now, Grandma."
"Ava, you should rest too."
"I will, Grandma, once you're asleep."
The grandmother quickly succumbed to sleep, her exhaustion evident.
Ava called out in a hushed tone, "Grandma? Grandma?" Receiving no response, she cautiously rose to her feet.
She tiptoed to the dresser, her eyes scanning for the family register. She knew the documents were in this room, but their exact location eluded her.
Her gaze landed on a wooden box, its craftsmanship exquisite and aged. It was locked, requiring a key for access.
If her instincts were correct, the documents were inside.
But Ava lacked the key. She needed to locate it first.
She returned the box to its hiding place, her mind racing as she pondered the key's location. Suddenly, it dawned on her - Uncle Mike, the custodian of all keys.
With this realization, Ava ventured into Uncle Mike's territory. She found the butler in the yard, busy directing the household staff. Not wanting to interrupt, she slipped into his office.
The office wall was adorned with an array of keys, their purpose known only to Uncle Mike. As she surveyed the wall, her memory of the old lady's box guided her to a small, distinct key that seemed to fit the lock. Just as her fingers brushed against it, a voice startled her, "Mrs. Mitchell, can I help you?"
Ava jerked her hand back, spinning around to face Uncle Mike. She wasn't sure how long he'd been standing there. With a forced smile, she replied, "Oh, it's nothing. Grandma and Alex are both asleep, and I was just wandering around out of boredom."
Uncle Mike seemed unfazed, suggesting, "Perhaps you should rest as well, Mrs. Mitchell?"
"That's a good idea. I'll leave you to your duties," Ava responded, exiting the office with her mission unaccomplished.
